What Fits in Ten Minutes?

Time to switch out the summer wardrobe for fall gear. Buckle up, you’re going to love this one: Mr. Non-Compliant is great about switching out the closet from season to season AND letting go of items he no longer wears.

As for me, it feels like a BIG chore. I dread it.

Similarly, I often hear, “I want to feel healthier, but I don’t have time.” Right behind it comes, “My house is overflowing, and I don’t know where to start.”

Here’s the good news. Both can start with ten minutes. 

I’m with you on this.

Ten minutes won’t clean out the garage (or my closet) or overhaul your diet. But it will get you moving, and momentum is a wonderful thing.

Pick one habit and one space. Pair them up. Here are a few combinations to get you started and help you think of your own ideas.

Hydrate and clear a counter. Fill a big glass of water and sip while you clear one kitchen counter. When the glass is empty, the counter is too.

Walk and gather. Grab a bag and walk through every room. Pick up anything you don’t use or don’t love. That’s movement plus a donation bag.

Stretch and sort a drawer. Do a few gentle stretches, then tackle one drawer. Just one. The junk drawer counts.

Prep and purge the fridge. Chop veggies for tomorrow then toss expired condiments. Healthy snacks go in. Mystery jars go out.

Breathe and edit the closet. Take five full, slow breaths, then pull three items you haven’t worn in a year. Oh, and I could certainly unload three books…I have way too many. For some women, it’s shoes. Me? It’s books.

Wind down and reset the nightstand. Before bed, clear everything but a book and a glass of water. A calm space sets you up for a calmer night’s sleep. 

Why does this work? Small wins build confidence. Less clutter often means less stress, and less stress makes healthy choices easier.

Set a timer for ten minutes. When it rings, stop. Quitting while you still feel good makes it easier to come back tomorrow.

So, here’s your challenge: Think of one thing you’ve been putting off. Something for your health, your home, or simply your own well-being. Now, take ten minutes.

Sometimes the easiest way to make a change is to make the change easier.

Warmly,
Health Coach Carol

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~Arthur Ashe